RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

Okay now please understand, I mean no disrespect to anyone on this forum or in general (ladies)... But I am genuinely curious about this: how strict / lax is the average renfaire dress code when it comes to risqué outfits / partial nudity?

Again, I don't want this question to come across as inappropriate, but the truth is that us guys certainly notice such things. I recently "stumbled across" a blog called 'Ren Faire Boobs' where photos of beautiful bosoms abound. While this blog doesn't seem to sponsor any nudity, I've also run across some of that (nothing below the waste, but some bare breasts for sure - body painting seems to be quite popular [especially among West coasters]).

I'm sure that all faires are different, but am I right to assume that showing off cleavage is generally accepted, even at the more conservative faires?

I would like to point out a few things: I'm still very new to the culture, I think people have a right to be who they are / dress how they please, I always respect others, I do like boobs.

Faire is one of those wonderful places that are open to a wide variety of expression. Very few remain in our social worlds. Some people take that to mean exposing a great deal of skin....and they must feel comfortable doing so because it is purely their choice to do so.

There is definitely a lot of cleavage on view. My thought is that if the person was not comfortable exposing and being looked at, then they wouldn't do so. If a woman were to demand that people expect others to not look, then she should not expose herself in a dramatic fashion. They are going to look....now, touching, on the other hand....is another matter entirely. Now, as to how this was viewed historically, I have no clue. It has been discussed that breasts were seen as a means to feed a baby and not viewed as sexually back then... but who can say.

It goes for the guys too.....I have also seen men be very exhibitionist as well. One fellow at CoRF was clearly naked except for a bit of fur draped across the important bits. Did I look? But, of course I did. Did I stop and stare and point and photograph......maaaaaaybe. Well built men in kilts with no shirts on....yes, I am going to have my fill of eye candy, indeed. The barbarians will have they're fun too (men and women).

I think that people can decide for themselves at what level they chose to expose themselves. We all have our own comfort levels and some have beautiful bodies to carry off such appearances. Having said that, I do hope that they keep in mind that these are family events and they should remain in context to the time period and characters that they are representing.

Hausfrau Monica, I think your sentiment really nails it on the head with this one. I agree that one of the best attributes of faire is the unfettered ability to express yourself and your creativity. It's great to see young people able to dress up and enjoy themselves in the real world (as opposed to in the virtual world).

With that said, I also agree with you that a certain level of "family friendliness" should be maintained. ~ Doug